In the demanding world of collegiate athletics, where the pursuit of excellence on the field often dominates headlines, it’s particularly inspiring when student-athletes leverage their platform for profound social good. Such is the case with an Ohio State football player and his brother, who are making a tangible difference in the lives of homeless families, proving that their impact extends far beyond the gridiron.
The brothers in question are Caleb Downs, a star safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and his older brother, Josh Downs, a talented wide receiver for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.1 Both products of a strong family unit that emphasizes community service, the Downs brothers have recently intensified their efforts to combat homelessness, particularly focusing on vulnerable families and at-risk youth in the Columbus, Ohio area – Caleb’s adopted home during his collegiate career.
Their primary vehicle for change is the Trust Downs Foundation, which recently hosted its inaugural “Driving Hope Classic” at Topgolf in Columbus. This event was not just a fun gathering for football enthusiasts; it was a carefully orchestrated fundraiser designed to generate critical resources for programs addressing homelessness. A significant portion of the proceeds from the “Driving Hope Classic” is dedicated to providing essential services: offering shelter, securing vital resources like food and clothing, and most importantly, creating pathways to long-term stability and self-sufficiency for those experiencing homelessness.
The event itself was a testament to the brothers’ commitment and their ability to mobilize support. Caleb and Josh were joined by their parents, current Ohio State football team members, and even coaching staff, highlighting the broad commitment from the Buckeyes family. A silent auction further augmented the funds raised, allowing attendees to contribute to the cause while acquiring unique sports memorabilia and experiences.
Josh Downs, speaking about the motivation behind their efforts, articulated a powerful sentiment shared by both brothers: “Homelessness is a huge cause and a huge thing in America, so we feel like with the resources that we’ve been blessed with, we can just help give back to the community in any way possible.” He specifically emphasized Caleb’s strong connection to Columbus and their desire to support the Huckleberry House, a vital local non-profit.2 “Caleb’s huge here in Columbus, and the Huckleberry House is new, and he wants to give back, and we want to give back as best as possible. So, we’re doing this to just show our thanks to the community, and just a good way to give back.”
Caleb Downs, a highly impactful player on the field, mirrored his brother’s passion for the cause. “I’ve spent time at Huckleberry House, donated to them before, so I’m just hoping that they can do what they need to do with whatever funds that we’re able to give them, and help people that are in need,” Caleb3 added. This personal involvement, visiting the facility and understanding the day-to-day challenges faced by the individuals Huckleberry House serves, deepens their commitment and makes their advocacy all the more authentic.
The choice of Huckleberry House as a primary beneficiary is particularly meaningful. This organization serves as a critical resource for homeless and at-risk youth in Central Ohio. Their comprehensive services include:
- Temporary Housing: Providing immediate, safe shelter for those in crisis.
- 24/7 Crisis Shelter: A continuously available refuge for young people facing acute homelessness.
- Counseling Services: Offering vital mental health and emotional support, addressing the often-traumatic experiences associated with homelessness.
- Transitional Living Programs: Designed to help young people move from temporary shelter to stable, independent living, equipping them with life skills and resources.
- Outreach Programs: Proactively engaging with at-risk youth to prevent homelessness before it occurs.
The work of Huckleberry House is foundational, and the support from the Trust Downs Foundation directly enhances their capacity to provide these life-saving and life-changing services.
The Downs brothers are not the only Ohio State football players actively engaged in combating youth homelessness. The Styles family, including current Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and his older brother Lorenzo Styles Jr. (who recently graduated from Ohio State), have also made significant strides in raising awareness and funds for the Huckleberry House.4
For the past three consecutive years, Sonny and Lorenzo Styles have participated in Huckleberry House’s “Sleep Out” campaign in downtown Columbus.5 This poignant event involves individuals sleeping outdoors in solidarity with homeless youth, experiencing a fraction of the discomfort faced by those without shelter. Their mother, Laverna Styles, originally introduced them to the organization, and their involvement has grown deeper each year.
Sonny Styles, speaking about his experience, noted how seeing young people his own age at Huckleberry House truly underscored the seriousness of youth homelessness. “Something that actually stood out to me last year, there was a young lady that was at the event and she stayed at the Huckleberry House when she was younger. And she kind of talked about her story and her life story and what she went through and what the Huckleberry House did for her. So it made just feel really good to just support such a great organization.”
Lorenzo Styles Jr. echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the inspiration derived from interacting with the youth: “I think really just being around the kids and hanging out with them and hearing their dreams and their aspirations or what they want to accomplish, I think that kind of inspired me to just do as much as I can to help them do that and be a light for that.”6
The Styles brothers have set ambitious fundraising goals for their “Sleep Out” campaigns, contributing thousands of dollars directly to Huckleberry House. Their efforts, like those of the Downs brothers, leverage their platform as prominent Ohio State athletes to bring crucial attention and resources to a complex societal issue.
These examples highlight a commendable culture of community service within the Ohio State football program. While Caleb Downs, Josh Downs, Sonny Styles, and Lorenzo Styles Jr. are prominent figures in the fight against homelessness, numerous other Buckeyes have historically engaged in various philanthropic endeavors. This commitment often extends beyond their playing days, as seen with former players like Cameron Heyward (NFL Pittsburgh Steelers), who, along with his family, has a foundation that focuses on underserved youth and whose childhood experiences included handing out meals to the homeless on Christmas Day. Former Buckeye Harry Miller has also been recognized for his advocacy for mental health and his work with less fortunate families in Nicaragua.
The dedication of these Ohio State football players and their brothers to helping homeless families is a powerful reminder that true champions are often forged not just on the field, but through their compassion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. By using their platforms, their resources, and their personal experiences, they are not just raising money; they are raising awareness, inspiring others, and actively changing the world, one family at a time. Their efforts embody the spirit of service and underscore the profound impact athletes can have when they choose to give back to the communities that support them.
